What should you know about elective cervical cerclage?

The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the womb. During an elective cerclage, an obstetric team places a strong stitch around it through the vagina, usually early in pregnancy and before signs of cervical change. The stitch is intended to provide mechanical support while the pregnancy continues. It does not treat every cause of early labour and cannot prevent all pregnancy complications.

The procedure is usually performed with regional or general anaesthesia. Cramping, pelvic pressure or light spotting can occur afterwards. Your maternity team will explain whether the stitch is expected to remain until near the end of pregnancy or needs removal earlier in a particular situation.

Tell the team about bleeding, fluid leakage, contractions, allergies and medicines before the procedure. Follow instructions about fasting, activity, intercourse and follow-up appointments. Keep antenatal visits because the stitch does not replace monitoring of the cervix, baby or placenta. A plan for removal and for contacting maternity triage should be written down.

Most daily decisions depend on your symptoms, pregnancy history and the type of stitch. Do not insert anything into the vagina or change activity restrictions without clear advice from your obstetric team.

Contact maternity services urgently for regular painful contractions, heavy bleeding, gush or continued leakage of fluid, fever, foul-smelling discharge, severe pelvic pain, or reduced fetal movement when you are at a stage of pregnancy where movements are established. These signs can indicate labour, infection or ruptured membranes, and the stitch may need prompt review.

Ask why a planned cerclage is being recommended, what alternatives exist, how the procedure is performed, which activities are restricted, when removal is planned, and what symptoms require same-day assessment.